Genital tract traumas are classified into subtypes according to the location and severity of the lesion. Most studies have evaluated the risk factors for 3rd- and 4th-degree perineal tears that include the anal sphincter complex, the so-called obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS). Predisposing factors are increasing maternal age, heavier birthweight, longer duration of the second stage of labour, oxytocin augmentation, occiput posterior position, and instrumental delivery [7-9]. The risk increases with the number of different risk factors [9]. Protective factors are previous vaginal delivery, epidural analgesia, and multiparity [7-9]. Several perineal management techniques used during delivery have been studied, and a recent Cochrane review concluded that warm compresses and perineal massage seem to reduce the risk of OASIS [4]. The introduction of an interventional perineal protection programme also seems to reduce the incidence of OASIS [10-12].